Using an ad network revenue calculator, you can estimate that a website with 100,000 monthly pageviews will earn approximately $200-250 with Google AdSense ($2-2.50 RPM), $1,300-1,500 with Mediavine ($13-15 RPM), or $1,800-2,000 with AdThrive ($18-20 RPM). Your actual earnings depend on your niche, audience location, traffic quality, and ad optimization strategy. Premium networks like Mediavine and AdThrive consistently deliver 500-800% higher revenue than AdSense, but they require minimum traffic thresholds of 50,000 sessions and 100,000 pageviews respectively.
The earning gap between basic and premium ad networks is substantial. A food blogger with 250,000 monthly pageviews could earn $500-625 monthly with AdSense but $3,250-3,750 with Mediavine or $4,500-5,000 with AdThrive. This represents a difference of $48,000-54,000 annually just from choosing the right monetization partner.
Want to see exactly how much YOUR website could earn with each network? Use our ad network revenue calculator breakdown below with detailed RPM comparisons by niche, traffic requirements, real publisher case studies, and step-by-step calculation methods. ⬇️
Understanding Ad Network Revenue: The Foundation
Before diving into specific network comparisons, understanding how ad revenue works is essential for making informed monetization decisions. This ad network revenue calculator guide will help you understand the core metrics that determine your earning potential.
What is RPM and Why It Matters
RPM (Revenue Per Mille) represents how much you earn for every 1,000 pageviews on your website. Unlike CPM (Cost Per Mille), which shows what advertisers pay, RPM reflects what publishers actually receive after the ad network takes its share.
The RPM calculation is straightforward: Total ad earnings divided by total pageviews, multiplied by 1,000. For example, if you earned $500 from 100,000 pageviews, your RPM would be $5.
Key Factors That Impact Your Ad Revenue
Multiple variables influence how much money your website generates from display advertising:
Geographic Location of Visitors: Advertisers pay significantly more for audiences in Tier 1 countries. Traffic from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand commands premium rates because these audiences have higher purchasing power and conversion potential. A visitor from the US might generate 5-10 times more ad revenue than a visitor from a developing country.
Content Niche: Your website’s topic dramatically affects advertiser demand and willingness to pay. Finance, insurance, and real estate websites command the highest CPMs because conversion values are substantial. A single customer acquisition in these niches can be worth thousands of dollars to advertisers, justifying higher ad spend.
Device Type: Desktop users generate approximately 2-3 times more ad revenue than mobile users. Larger screens accommodate more viewable ad formats, and desktop users are statistically closer to purchase decisions. The sticky sidebar ad, only available on desktop, is particularly lucrative.
Traffic Source: Organic search traffic typically earns more than social media traffic. Search visitors demonstrate clear intent by actively seeking information, making them more valuable to advertisers. Social media visitors often use mobile browsers that block cookies, reducing targeting effectiveness and advertiser bids.
Time on Page and Engagement: Longer engagement times allow ads to refresh and accumulate more impressions. High-viewability placements like sticky footers become exponentially more valuable when users spend several minutes reading your content.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Ad revenue follows predictable patterns throughout the year. The final quarter (October-December) sees the highest RPMs as advertisers compete for holiday shopping attention. January typically represents the lowest RPM period as advertiser budgets reset and spending slows.
Google AdSense: The Entry-Level Option
Google AdSense remains the most accessible monetization platform for new publishers, requiring no minimum traffic threshold for approval.
AdSense Requirements and Approval Process
Any website with original content and compliance with Google’s policies can apply for AdSense. The approval process typically takes 1-7 days. Your website must be fully functional, contain substantial original content, have clear navigation, and comply with Google’s content policies prohibiting adult content, violence, copyright infringement, and illegal activities.
Unlike premium networks, AdSense accepts websites of all sizes. A brand new blog with just a few hundred monthly visitors can begin displaying AdSense ads and earning revenue immediately upon approval.
Realistic AdSense Earnings: What to Expect
AdSense typically delivers RPMs between $0.20 and $2.50, though this range varies significantly by niche and geography. A general lifestyle blog with mixed traffic might see $1.50-2.00 RPM, while a finance-focused website could reach $3-5 RPM even with AdSense.
For a website with 50,000 monthly pageviews, AdSense earnings would range from $100-125 per month ($1,200-1,500 annually). With 100,000 pageviews, expect $200-250 monthly. At 500,000 pageviews, AdSense could generate $1,000-1,250 monthly revenue.
Revenue Share Structure
Google AdSense operates on a 68-32 revenue split for content ads, meaning publishers receive 68% of advertiser spending while Google retains 32%. For search ads, the split is 51-49 in favor of publishers. This represents the highest revenue share percentage among the three networks compared in this analysis.
Payment Terms and Thresholds
AdSense pays monthly via direct deposit, wire transfer, or check. The minimum payment threshold is $100, which can take several months for new publishers to reach. Payments are issued approximately 21-26 days after month end once the threshold is met.
Advantages of Starting With AdSense
The platform’s primary benefit is accessibility. New publishers can begin earning immediately without waiting to build traffic. The setup process is straightforward, requiring only the insertion of ad code into your website. AdSense automatically optimizes ad placements and sizes through responsive ad units.
The platform offers excellent documentation, troubleshooting resources, and integration with other Google products like Analytics and Search Console. For WordPress users, official plugins simplify the entire implementation process.
Limitations Compared to Premium Networks
AdSense’s automated approach limits earning potential compared to managed services. The platform cannot offer the same premium advertiser relationships, direct sales campaigns, or revenue optimization strategies that premium networks provide.
Publishers report ad quality concerns, with irrelevant or low-value ads occasionally appearing. The revenue ceiling with AdSense is substantially lower, with most publishers hitting a hard limit around $2.50-3.00 RPM regardless of traffic growth or optimization efforts.
Mediavine: The Mid-Tier Premium Network
Mediavine has established itself as the most accessible premium ad management service, requiring 50,000 sessions per month for approval.
Mediavine Requirements and Application Process
To qualify for Mediavine, your website must achieve 50,000 sessions in the last 30 days. Sessions represent user visits rather than individual pageviews, typically resulting in 10-20% fewer sessions than pageviews. A website with 65,000 monthly pageviews would likely have approximately 50,000-55,000 sessions, meeting the threshold.
Your website must have Google Analytics properly installed to verify traffic metrics. Original, high-quality content is mandatory, and your website must be in good standing with Google AdSense, meaning no previous bans or policy violations.
Geographic requirements stipulate that at least 50% of your traffic should originate from English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This ensures sufficient advertiser demand for your inventory.
Content must be original and brand-safe. Mediavine works with major advertisers who require assurance that their brands won’t appear alongside controversial, offensive, or adult content.
Mediavine’s Journey Program
In March 2024, Mediavine launched Journey, a program designed for publishers with lower traffic levels. While specific requirements weren’t publicly disclosed at launch, this initiative aims to provide premium ad management to publishers who haven’t yet reached the 50,000 session threshold.
Mediavine Earnings and RPM Expectations
Publishers with Mediavine report average RPMs between $13 and $15, representing a 500-650% increase over typical AdSense earnings. Niche and audience demographics significantly influence these figures.
A food blog with 100,000 monthly pageviews could expect $1,300-1,500 monthly earnings. With 250,000 pageviews, monthly revenue would range from $3,250-3,750. At 500,000 pageviews, publishers typically earn $6,500-7,500 monthly with Mediavine.
Real-world publisher reports confirm these ranges. A lifestyle blog that earned $625 monthly with AdSense at 250,000 pageviews reported earnings of $3,500 monthly after switching to Mediavine, representing a 460% revenue increase.
Revenue Share and Payment Terms
Mediavine takes a 25% management fee, meaning publishers receive 75% of advertiser revenue. However, Mediavine offers a loyalty bonus program that reduces their fee by 1% for each year you remain with the network, capping at 5% after year five. Long-term publishers would receive 80% of revenue by year five.
Payment operates on a Net65 schedule, meaning you receive payment 65 days after the end of each month. This extended timeline accommodates advertiser payment processing and ensures funds are collected before distribution.
The minimum payment threshold is $25 for most payment methods, though international wire transfers require $200 minimum. Most publishers exceed the threshold easily after their first full month with Mediavine.
Mediavine’s Focus on User Experience
Mediavine prioritizes site speed and user experience, implementing strategies to minimize ad impact on page load times. Their optimization team works to ensure ads enhance rather than detract from reader experience.
The network offers transparent reporting through an intuitive dashboard displaying RPM, high-performing content, session data, and detailed revenue breakdowns by device, traffic source, and content category.
Customer Support and Community
Mediavine is renowned for exceptional customer support. Publishers receive responsive assistance via email, with most inquiries answered within 24 hours. The support team provides not just troubleshooting but strategic advice for improving content performance and traffic growth.
The Mediavine community, consisting of thousands of publishers, offers peer support, strategy sharing, and networking opportunities through private Facebook groups and forums.
AdThrive (Now Raptive): The Premium Tier
AdThrive, which rebranded to Raptive in April 2023, represents the highest tier of display ad management, requiring 100,000 monthly pageviews for approval.
AdThrive/Raptive Requirements
The primary barrier to AdThrive approval is the 100,000 monthly pageview requirement verified through Google Analytics. Unlike Mediavine’s session-based threshold, AdThrive uses pageviews, which typically yields 10-20% higher numbers and makes the requirement slightly more accessible.
Google Analytics must be properly installed and tracking accurately. AdThrive verifies your traffic history to ensure consistency and sustainability rather than temporary viral spikes.
At least 50% of your traffic must originate from Tier 1 countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This geographic requirement ensures advertiser demand matches your inventory.
Content must be original, high-quality, and brand-safe. AdThrive maintains relationships with premium advertisers who demand assurance their brands appear only alongside appropriate content.
Your website must have a valid SSL certificate, displaying HTTPS rather than HTTP in the address bar. This security standard is non-negotiable for AdThrive approval.
Accelerated Approval for Additional Sites
Once your first website is approved and performing well with AdThrive, subsequent sites from the same publisher face dramatically reduced requirements. Additional sites need only 30,000 monthly pageviews for approval, making it significantly easier to build a portfolio of monetized properties.
AdThrive Earnings: Industry-Leading RPMs
AdThrive consistently delivers the highest RPMs in the industry, with publishers reporting average earnings between $18 and $20 per 1,000 pageviews. Premium niches and optimized sites regularly exceed $25 RPM, with some food and finance blogs reaching $30-37 RPM during peak seasons.
For a website with 100,000 monthly pageviews, AdThrive earnings would range from $1,800-2,000 monthly. With 250,000 pageviews, expect $4,500-5,000 monthly. At 500,000 pageviews, publishers typically earn $9,000-10,000 monthly, or $108,000-120,000 annually.
A documented case study from a food blogger showed RPMs of $19.14 during Q4 2020, representing a significant increase from the $6.96 RPM they had experienced with Mediavine the previous year for the same seasonal period.
RPM Guarantee Program
AdThrive offers an industry-unique RPM guarantee for publishers switching from other networks. The guarantee promises a minimum 15-20% RPM increase within two weeks of installation. If AdThrive fails to deliver this increase, they pay the difference for your first month plus an additional $5,000 compensation.
This guarantee demonstrates AdThrive’s confidence in their ability to outperform competitors. The company analyzed over 500 publishers who joined from other networks and found consistent RPM increases regardless of previous ad management company.
Revenue Share and Payment Structure
Like Mediavine, AdThrive takes a 25% management fee with publishers receiving 75% of advertiser revenue. Unlike Mediavine, AdThrive does not offer a loyalty discount program.
Payment operates on a Net45 schedule, meaning you receive earnings 45 days after month end. This is 20 days faster than Mediavine’s payment timeline.
The minimum payment threshold is $25 for most methods, with international wire transfers requiring $100 minimum. AdThrive guarantees payment to publishers even if advertisers fail to pay them, providing financial security.
What Makes AdThrive’s RPMs Higher
Several factors contribute to AdThrive’s superior earning performance:
Premium Advertiser Relationships: AdThrive maintains direct relationships with high-spending advertisers, securing exclusive campaigns and premium CPM rates not available through standard programmatic channels.
Advanced Ad Technology: Proprietary ad optimization algorithms and technology partnerships enable AdThrive to maximize viewability, engagement, and advertiser competition for each impression.
Direct Sales Team: AdThrive employs the largest direct sales team in the industry, negotiating custom campaigns and sponsorships that supplement programmatic earnings.
Strategic Ad Layout: Each publisher receives a custom ad strategy designed by AdThrive’s optimization team, balancing revenue maximization with user experience preservation.
Real Publisher Results and Case Studies
Multiple documented case studies demonstrate AdThrive’s performance:
A food blog called The Conscientious Eater switched from Mediavine to AdThrive in July 2020. During Q4 2020 with 250,000 pageviews, they earned an average RPM of $19.14 with AdThrive. Based on Mediavine’s published average RPM trends for the same period, they would have earned approximately $11.17 RPM, representing an extra $2,000 quarterly or $667 monthly from the network switch.
Pinch of Yum, one of the most successful food blogs, switched to AdThrive after extensive research and reported significant revenue increases, crediting the decision as pivotal to transforming their blog from a hobby into their primary income source.
Publishers across diverse niches report similar patterns: consistent 20-50% RPM increases over Mediavine, with some experiencing even larger gains depending on their specific audience demographics and content focus.
Using This Ad Network Revenue Calculator: Direct Comparison
To illustrate the earning differences and help you calculate your potential revenue, let’s examine specific scenarios across various traffic levels using our ad network revenue calculator methodology.
Scenario 1: Small Publisher (50,000 Monthly Pageviews)
A lifestyle blog with 50,000 monthly pageviews and general content would earn:
- Google AdSense: $100-125 monthly ($1,200-1,500 annually)
- Mediavine: Does not qualify yet (needs ~65,000 pageviews for 50,000 sessions)
- AdThrive: Does not qualify yet (needs 100,000 pageviews)
At this traffic level, AdSense represents the only option among these three networks. The publisher should focus on growing traffic to reach premium network thresholds.
Scenario 2: Growing Publisher (100,000 Monthly Pageviews)
A food blog with 100,000 monthly pageviews and 75% US traffic would earn:
- Google AdSense: $200-250 monthly ($2,400-3,000 annually)
- Mediavine: $1,300-1,500 monthly ($15,600-18,000 annually)
- AdThrive: $1,800-2,000 monthly ($21,600-24,000 annually)
This scenario clearly demonstrates the dramatic earning difference between basic and premium networks. Switching from AdSense to Mediavine would increase annual revenue by $13,200-15,600. Choosing AdThrive over AdSense would increase annual revenue by $19,200-21,600.
Scenario 3: Established Publisher (250,000 Monthly Pageviews)
A travel blog with 250,000 monthly pageviews and strong engagement would earn:
- Google AdSense: $500-625 monthly ($6,000-7,500 annually)
- Mediavine: $3,250-3,750 monthly ($39,000-45,000 annually)
- AdThrive: $4,500-5,000 monthly ($54,000-60,000 annually)
At this traffic level, the network choice becomes a critical business decision affecting annual income by $32,000-52,500. The difference between Mediavine and AdThrive ($15,000 annually) could justify the higher barrier to entry.
Scenario 4: High-Traffic Publisher (500,000 Monthly Pageviews)
A finance blog with 500,000 monthly pageviews and predominantly desktop traffic would earn:
- Google AdSense: $1,000-1,250 monthly ($12,000-15,000 annually)
- Mediavine: $6,500-7,500 monthly ($78,000-90,000 annually)
- AdThrive: $9,000-10,000 monthly ($108,000-120,000 annually)
At high traffic volumes, the earning gaps become substantial enough to represent full-time income differences. The $30,000-45,000 annual difference between networks could fund team expansion, equipment upgrades, or provide financial security.
Scenario 5: Premium Niche Publisher (500,000 Monthly Pageviews)
A specialized finance website with 500,000 monthly pageviews, 80% US desktop traffic, and high engagement would earn:
- Google AdSense: $1,500-2,500 monthly ($18,000-30,000 annually)
- Mediavine: $8,500-10,000 monthly ($102,000-120,000 annually)
- AdThrive: $12,500-15,000 monthly ($150,000-180,000 annually)
Premium niches with ideal audience demographics can achieve significantly higher RPMs across all networks, with AdThrive publishers in finance and insurance categories reporting RPMs exceeding $30 during peak seasons.
Choosing the Right Network for Your Website
Selecting the optimal ad network depends on your current situation and business objectives.
If You Have Under 50,000 Pageviews
Google AdSense is your primary option among these three networks. Focus on creating high-quality content, building organic search traffic through SEO, and growing your audience to reach premium network thresholds.
Alternative networks worth considering at this stage include Ezoic (10,000 pageview minimum), which offers better RPMs than AdSense through AI-driven optimization, though still below Mediavine and AdThrive performance levels.
If You Have 50,000-100,000 Pageviews
Apply to Mediavine as soon as you reach 50,000 monthly sessions. The application process takes about one week, and approval rates are reasonable for websites with quality content and appropriate traffic composition.
Continue growing toward the 100,000 pageview threshold while optimizing your monetization strategy with Mediavine. The revenue increase from AdSense to Mediavine typically represents $1,000-3,000+ monthly depending on your niche and traffic quality.
If You Have 100,000+ Pageviews
Both Mediavine and AdThrive become available, creating a genuine decision point. Consider these factors:
Traffic Trajectory: If your traffic is still growing rapidly and you expect to reach 250,000-500,000 pageviews within 6-12 months, AdThrive’s higher RPMs become increasingly valuable. The additional revenue could justify immediate application even if you’re barely over the threshold.
Content Portfolio Plans: If you plan to build multiple websites, AdThrive’s 30,000 pageview requirement for additional sites becomes highly attractive. This allows you to monetize new properties much earlier than Mediavine’s 50,000 session requirement would permit.
Payment Timing Needs: AdThrive’s Net45 payment schedule is 20 days faster than Mediavine’s Net65, which could matter for cash flow management if ad revenue represents a significant portion of your income.
RPM Priority: If maximizing every dollar of ad revenue is your primary objective, AdThrive’s consistently higher RPMs ($3-5 more per thousand pageviews) translate to substantial additional income at scale.
Community and Support Preferences: Both networks offer excellent support, but their communities differ. Mediavine’s larger publisher community provides more peer networking opportunities, while AdThrive’s smaller network offers more exclusivity.
Testing Strategy: Some publishers choose to start with Mediavine upon reaching 50,000 sessions, then switch to AdThrive after reaching 100,000 pageviews to compare performance directly. Both networks allow switching, though you should allow 3-6 months for fair comparison as seasonal variations significantly impact results.
Beyond the Big Three: Other Networks to Consider
While this analysis focuses on AdSense, Mediavine, and AdThrive, other networks deserve consideration depending on your circumstances.
Ezoic (10,000 Pageview Minimum)
Ezoic uses artificial intelligence to optimize ad placements and offers RPMs typically ranging from $5-12, positioning it between AdSense and premium networks. The low barrier to entry makes it an excellent stepping stone for growing publishers. Some publishers report site speed concerns, though recent updates have addressed many performance issues.
Monumetric (10,000 Pageview Minimum)
Monumetric offers tiered programs based on traffic levels, with a $99 setup fee for smaller publishers. RPMs range from $8-14 depending on traffic volume and quality. The setup fee may deter some publishers, though it’s refundable after reaching certain earnings thresholds.
Media.net (No Minimum)
As a contextual advertising network powered by Yahoo and Bing, Media.net offers an alternative to AdSense without minimum requirements. RPMs typically range from $1-4, making it comparable to AdSense performance. Best results come from websites with strong US and UK traffic.
SHEMedia (20,000 Pageview Minimum)
SHEMedia specializes in websites with predominantly female audiences (70%+) and US traffic (80%+). RPMs range from $10-18 for qualifying publishers. The network’s niche focus delivers excellent results for lifestyle, parenting, and health content targeting women.
Maximizing Revenue Regardless of Network
Regardless of which ad network you choose, several strategies improve earning performance across all platforms.
Optimize for High-Value Traffic
Focus content creation on topics that attract audiences from Tier 1 countries. Creating content specifically relevant to US, Canadian, or UK audiences increases average RPM regardless of network.
Improve Desktop Traffic Percentage
Desktop users generate 2-3x more revenue than mobile users. While you shouldn’t ignore mobile optimization, consider content formats and promotion channels that attract desktop readers. Long-form guides, in-depth tutorials, and research-heavy content tend to attract more desktop traffic.
Increase Time on Page
Longer engagement times allow ads to refresh and accumulate more impressions. Implement strategies to increase session duration: internal linking to related content, engaging writing that holds attention, multimedia elements like images and videos, and content formatting that encourages scrolling and reading.
Prioritize Organic Search Traffic
SEO-driven traffic consistently outperforms social media traffic for ad revenue. Search visitors demonstrate intent and arrive ready to consume content, while social media visitors often skim quickly and bounce. Invest heavily in SEO strategy, keyword research, and content optimization for search engines.
Create Content in High-CPM Niches
If your expertise allows, create content in categories that command premium advertising rates: finance and investing, insurance, real estate, online courses and coaching, ecommerce and dropshipping, technology and SaaS, legal services, healthcare and medical topics.
Optimize Content for Engagement
Well-structured, engaging content keeps readers on page longer and encourages multiple pageviews per session. Use clear headers, short paragraphs, relevant images, strategic internal linking, and compelling introductions that promise value delivery.
Leverage Seasonal Trends
Plan content calendars around high-earning seasons. Q4 (October-December) represents peak advertising spending as brands compete for holiday shoppers. Publishing evergreen content timed to gain traction entering Q4 maximizes revenue during this premium period.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Publishers often make preventable errors that limit their ad revenue potential.
Applying Too Early
Don’t apply to premium networks until you consistently exceed their requirements. Rejection often requires 6-12 month waiting periods before reapplication. Ensure you have 2-3 months of sustained traffic meeting or exceeding thresholds before applying.
Focusing Only on Traffic Volume
Traffic quality matters as much as quantity. Ten thousand engaged US visitors generate more revenue than fifty thousand disengaged international visitors. Prioritize building the right traffic rather than simply more traffic.
Poor User Experience
Degraded user experience from excessive ads, slow page speeds, or intrusive formats can increase bounce rates and decrease engagement, ultimately reducing revenue despite more ad placements. Premium networks optimize for balance between revenue and experience.
Ignoring Analytics
Understanding which content performs best, where your traffic comes from, and how users interact with your site enables strategic optimization. Install Google Analytics, review it regularly, and make data-driven decisions about content strategy.
Switching Networks Too Frequently
Allow 3-6 months with any network before judging performance. Seasonal variations, advertiser cycles, and optimization periods mean monthly comparisons often mislead. Q4 always outperforms Q1 regardless of network.
Not Reading Network Policies
Policy violations can result in account suspension or termination, losing thousands in earned revenue. Read and understand each network’s content policies, ad placement guidelines, and prohibited practices before implementation.
The Real Revenue Calculator: Calculate Your Exact Earnings
To calculate your estimated monthly revenue with each network using this ad network revenue calculator formula, use this simple calculation:
Monthly Revenue = (Monthly Pageviews ÷ 1,000) × RPM
For Google AdSense (use $2 RPM for general estimate):
- 50,000 pageviews: $100
- 100,000 pageviews: $200
- 250,000 pageviews: $500
- 500,000 pageviews: $1,000
For Mediavine (use $14 RPM for general estimate):
- 50,000 pageviews: $700
- 100,000 pageviews: $1,400
- 250,000 pageviews: $3,500
- 500,000 pageviews: $7,000
For AdThrive/Raptive (use $19 RPM for general estimate):
- 50,000 pageviews: $950
- 100,000 pageviews: $1,900
- 250,000 pageviews: $4,750
- 500,000 pageviews: $9,500
Remember these are baseline estimates. Your actual RPM will vary based on niche, geography, device mix, traffic sources, and seasonal timing. Premium niches can add 50-100% to these estimates, while lower-quality traffic might reduce them by 30-50%.
Your Path Forward: A Strategic Timeline
Months 1-6: Building Foundation (0-50,000 Pageviews)
Start with Google AdSense to begin earning while building traffic. Focus primarily on content creation, SEO optimization, and audience growth. Track your traffic growth rate and project when you’ll reach premium network thresholds.
Months 7-12: Reaching First Milestone (50,000-100,000 Pageviews)
Apply to Mediavine as soon as you consistently exceed 50,000 monthly sessions. The switch from AdSense to Mediavine typically increases monthly revenue by $1,000-3,000, providing capital for content creation acceleration, freelancer support, or equipment upgrades.
Months 13-18: Scaling Growth (100,000-250,000 Pageviews)
Once you reach 100,000 pageviews, evaluate whether to switch from Mediavine to AdThrive. If traffic is stable, you might remain with Mediavine and reassess at 250,000 pageviews. If growth is rapid, switching to AdThrive earlier captures additional revenue during the scaling phase.
Months 19+: Maximizing Performance (250,000+ Pageviews)
At this traffic level, you should be with either Mediavine or AdThrive depending on your earlier decision. Focus on optimizing RPM through content strategy, traffic source improvement, and engagement enhancement. Consider building additional sites to leverage portfolio monetization advantages.
Resources and Further Reading
Official Network Resources:
- Google AdSense Help Center: support.google.com/adsense
- Mediavine Publisher Help Center: help.mediavine.com
- AdThrive/Raptive Blog: raptive.com/blog
Traffic Verification Tools:
- Google Analytics: analytics.google.com
- Google Tag Assistant: support.google.com/tagassistant
SEO and Traffic Growth:
- Google Search Console: search.google.com/search-console
- Ahrefs SEO Tools: ahrefs.com
- SEMrush: semrush.com
Publisher Communities:
- Mediavine Facebook Group (private, for approved publishers)
- Income School YouTube Channel (traffic growth strategies)
- Niche Pursuits (case studies and income reports)
Final Recommendations
The choice between Google AdSense, Mediavine, and AdThrive should be based on your current traffic level, growth trajectory, and business objectives.
For publishers under 50,000 pageviews: Start with Google AdSense while focusing intensively on traffic growth. Every hour spent optimizing ad revenue at this stage delivers less value than content creation and SEO work.
For publishers at 50,000-100,000 pageviews: Apply to Mediavine immediately upon reaching 50,000 sessions. The revenue increase funds faster growth and the improved monetization validates your business model.
For publishers above 100,000 pageviews: Evaluate both Mediavine and AdThrive based on your specific situation. If you’re building a portfolio of sites, AdThrive’s lower threshold for additional properties becomes highly valuable. If you’re focused on a single flagship site, test both networks over multiple quarters to identify which performs better for your specific audience and niche.
The network you choose will significantly impact your publishing business’s financial trajectory. A publisher with 500,000 monthly pageviews choosing AdThrive over AdSense will earn an additional $96,000-105,000 annually. This difference represents the ability to hire team members, invest in better tools, or achieve financial independence through publishing.
Make your network selection strategically, prioritize traffic quality over quantity, and use this ad network revenue calculator regularly to project your earnings at different growth milestones. Remember that the best ad network is the one you’ve grown large enough to qualify for. Your energy is best spent creating excellent content and building audience rather than optimizing for marginal ad revenue gains at low traffic levels.
Start where you are, work toward premium network thresholds, and let your growing traffic open doors to increasingly lucrative monetization partnerships. The revenue calculator above provides the roadmap—your content and audience growth will determine how quickly you travel it.
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